Secret Bao

1201 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
$$$ Asian restaurant
(406 Reviews)

At Secret Bao, located at 1201 Anacapa St in Santa Barbara, CA, you’ll find a remarkable fusion of vibrant Asian flavors in a casual yet inviting atmosphere. As a trendy Asian restaurant, it has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. If you’re someone who seeks culinary adventures that push the boundaries of taste, Secret Bao perfectly caters to your desires.

This enchanting eatery specializes in baos—soft, fluffy buns filled with delicious ingredients—but that's just the beginning. The menu creatively extends to include brilliantly crafted dishes like the Hamachi Poke, a stunning combination of yellowtail, Granny Smith apples, and jalapeno ponzu that tantalizes the palate with unexpected bursts of flavor and texture. At $21.99, this dish is more than a meal; it's a culinary piece of art.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, the Beef Szechuan Noodles stand out, showcasing braised Creekstone beef paired with vibrant flavors from Szechuan chili sauce and topped with fragrant herbs like Thai basil and scallions. With a price point of $24.99, every bite is an explosion of savory delight that lingers long after the meal is over.

Even the kids are catered to with a special menu featuring options like the Chicken Rice Bowl and a fun Grilled Cheese Bao, making it a family-friendly spot where the diners of all ages leave satisfied.

But what truly elevates the Secret Bao experience is its ambiance. While it maintains a casual vibe—perfect for a quick lunch—its trendy decor and vibrant energy make it a great spot for a special dinner outing too. Reviewers have noted that the restaurant's popularity can lead to wait times, especially on weekends, but many agree the food is well worth the wait. As one customer wisely advised, "Plan ahead" to ensure you don’t miss out on this culinary gem.

Reviewers are consistently blown away by the flavors, commenting on how every dish, from the incredibly tender Pork Belly Bao to the unique Duck Confit Spring Rolls, is crafted with precision and care. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or someone who prefers milder dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. One customer raved about the garlic noodles, describing them as "chewy, buttery, garlicky perfection," while others emphasized the delightful freshness and presentation of the Hamachi Poke.

So when you're in Santa Barbara, make your way to Secret Bao for an extraordinary dining experience that will grab hold of your senses and leave you wanting more. Just remember to consider making a reservation to dive into this world of exceptional flavor without a hitch!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

406 Reviews
Nathan Buddrius

11 Sep 2025

Plan ahead. This place is very busy. We came for dinner on Saturday night, and it was a long wait. We walked through town to pass time. I'm super happy we didn't cancel the reservation to try another place. The food was a wonderful experience and we seriously enjoyed it. The flavors blew my mind. Every, single, item... Was amazing. If you don't like spicy, be careful, because it was all spicy. I'm sure you can order things with less spice. Must try this place!

patrick hagan

02 Sep 2025

Holy moly! The flavors at Secret Bao are beyond words. Absolutely delectable. I’ve eaten here 3 times in the past couple of months and am more impressed each time, everything I’ve tried has been outstanding. The food comes out in a very timely manner as it’s ready, they have really dialed in the service, and it’s incredibly consistent. Those who have gone with me have been equally impressed. Garlic noodles are probably my favorite, (I could drink the gravy / sauce they are served in,) followed by the soy dumplings and fried rice. This place has quickly risen to my favorite restaurant in SB.

Su

26 Aug 2025

You order first, then grab a seat! The baos were honestly really good! soft, fluffy buns with great flavor. I’d totally recommend the pork belly bao. The KFC bao had a nice little spicy kick but the chicken was super tender and juicy.The char siu mandu was just okay. We also tried the katsu bento and pork belly fried rice, but those were kind of disappointing. The fried rice tasted like a mild, fusion-style version of kimchi fried rice, not super flavorful. Tbh, in the rice dish, i felt like the spinach was little odd. And there was not much pork belly either. There’s definitely a difference in quality between the baos and the other dishes. I highly recommend baos but idk about the rice dishes.

Felix Ngo

16 Aug 2025

Food is a expensive per portion, but the soup dumplings were very good. Fried rice and pork was perfect. Service was fine as the restaurant is pretty busy, but servers may forget about you and getting one's attention takes some effort.

Paul Minagawa

31 Jul 2025

So tasty! The Hamachi poke was excellent on multiple levels: presentation, texture, flavor, freshness and novelty. The baos were tasty as well!

Vibricia P

21 Jul 2025

Secret Bao is one of those rare finds that hits every note perfectly — bold flavors, unique dishes, and an atmosphere that feels both modern and welcoming. The garlic noodles were good — simple but absolutely packed with flavor. Chewy, buttery, garlicky perfection. And the kalbi steak with rice? Wow. The steak was beautifully marinated and grilled, tender with just the right amount of char. Paired with fluffy rice and flavorful kimchi, it was a full-on comfort meal with a gourmet twist. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about the food, which made the whole experience even better. The outdoor seating is another major plus — it’s spacious, relaxed, and perfect for enjoying Santa Barbara’s amazing weather. Whether you’re catching up with friends or just grabbing a quiet meal, the patio space adds to the whole experience without feeling crowded or cramped. Secret Bao is the kind of place you want to keep secret — but it's just too good not to share. Go hungry, and bring friends so you can try a bit of everything.

katrina storton

14 Jul 2025

Fantastic restaurant, everything on the menu is fantastic. The KFC Bao has the most incredible fried chicken & slaw. The Pork Belly Bao just melts in your mouth. The Duck Confit Spring Rolls are put if this world. The prices are fair, the service is fast and friends and the atmosphere is impeccable.

Kara Cronin

28 May 2025

Counter service during lunch is a chill way to get solid food efficiently, but definitely want to return for dinner for the full experience. Felt a bit casual and not overly friendly given the quality of food. A bit more intentional service orientation during the day shift would make this place a 5/5 across the board.

Join the Secret Bao Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.